Panic gripped Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday, May 15, 2026, after gunmen carried out a coordinated assault on three schools in the Ahoro-Esinele community, killing an assistant headmaster and abducting several pupils, students, and staff members.
According to the Oyo State Police Command, the attackers arrived on motorcycles in the early hours of the day and simultaneously stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, as well as Community Grammar School and L.A Primary School, both located in Esiele. The invasion happened shortly after pupils had gathered for morning assembly, catching teachers and students off guard.
“Preliminary investigation showed that the attackers, who operated on motorcycles, simultaneously invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, as well as Community Grammar School/L. A Primary School, Esiele, abducting pupils, students and staff members, including the Vice Principal, Mrs Alamu Folawe,” said DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, in a statement issued on Friday.
The command confirmed that the attack led to the death of an assistant headmaster identified as Mr. Adesiyan. An okada rider was also shot dead after reportedly resisting attempts by the gunmen to seize his motorcycle.
Police said that as of the time of filing their initial report, no pupil or student had been confirmed killed. However, the exact number of abducted children and staff remained unclear as security operatives continued search and rescue operations in the surrounding forests and communities.
Eyewitnesses described the assault as swift and coordinated. Residents said the gunmen moved from one school to another within minutes, shooting indiscriminately and forcing pupils and teachers to flee into nearby bushes for safety. “They came in large numbers on motorcycles and started shooting immediately. Everybody ran. They moved from one school to another within minutes,” a local source told reporters.
The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, OYOSUBEB, confirmed the incident and described it as a “dark and painful moment” for the state’s education sector.
“This senseless attack has thrown the entire education family in Oyo State into grief. Our hearts are with the affected parents, teachers, pupils, and the entire Ahoro-Esinele community,” said Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, Executive Chairman of OYOSUBEB.
Dr. Adeniran said the board was deeply saddened by the killing of the teacher and the abduction of pupils. “We particularly mourn the teacher whose life was cruelly cut short in the line of duty. His commitment, sacrifice, and service to education and humanity will never be forgotten,” he added.
In response, the Oyo State Police Command said it had launched an intensive manhunt and rescue operation. Commissioner of Police CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga led operatives and other service commanders to the scene for on-the-spot assessment and operational coordination.
“Operational assets, tactical teams and intelligence platforms have since been deployed to the affected communities to prevent any further breakdown of law and order, ensure public safety and facilitate the rescue of the abducted victims as well as the apprehension of those responsible for the heinous act,” the police statement read.
OYOSUBEB said security agencies, under the direct coordination of the Commissioner of Police, had fully taken charge of the situation. “A tactical response team has been deployed, while intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations are ongoing to secure the immediate rescue of the abducted pupils and restore calm to the community,” Dr. Adeniran stated.
As a precautionary measure, the board directed all primary schools in neighboring communities, including Surulere, Oyo East, Oriire, and Olorunsogo, to vacate immediately until further notice. The temporary closure, according to OYOSUBEB, is aimed at preventing further attacks and enabling security agencies to stabilize the affected areas.
Dr. Adeniran appealed to parents, guardians, and community leaders to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic. He added that the state government would not relent until all the abducted pupils were safely rescued.
The police have urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could aid ongoing rescue efforts and help apprehend the perpetrators.
This attack marks one of the most daring assaults on school communities in Oyo State in recent years, reigniting concerns over the safety of schools in rural areas and the growing reach of armed groups in parts of the South-West.
“Sources :: The Punch and Vanguard”
